Over the next few days, the Desire Hot Springs were packed every single day.
At first, the clan members went simply because it was "free," leaving after soaking.
But within just a couple of days, some people noticed that old injuries on their bodies hurt less, while others found that after soaking for several consecutive nights, their sleep had improved.
Some even said that after soaking in the hot springs and returning home, their "performance" at night had improved, and now their wives looked at them differently.
The news spread through the clan grounds like it had grown wings.
"Is it real? Can the hot springs heal injuries?"
"Why would I lie to you? The old wound on my arm, cut by a kunai, has hurt for three years. After soaking these past few days, it doesn't hurt at all!"
"So, going tonight?"
"Of course! We have to!"
So by evening, long lines formed at the entrance of the hot springs. Some people carried basins, some wrapped themselves in towels, and some even came in their sleepwear.
As for the rumors about the hot springs, they began spreading throughout the entire Hidden Leaf Village through various channels.
In the streets and alleys of the village, a new hot topic had emerged these days.
"Hey, have you heard? There's a hot spring on the Uchiha side that can cure illnesses!"
"Cure illnesses? Seriously?"
"It's true! A distant cousin of mine married into the Uchiha clan; she said her father-in-law had trouble walking for years, but after soaking for a few days, he can walk normally now!"
"Damn… that's incredible…"
"And that's not all! They also have some kind of apartments; young people can live there for free!"
"For free? No rent at all?"
"Totally free! As long as you're from the Uchiha clan and unmarried, you can apply!"
"Damn… that's way too good…"
The ones talking were two middle-aged ninja standing at the entrance of a dango shop.
One wore a forehead protector, the other had a toothpick in his mouth.
The passersby waiting in line to buy dango nearby listened with wide eyes.
"Th-Then… if you're not from the Uchiha clan, can you go in and soak?"
The toothpick ninja rolled his eyes:
"In your dreams! It's something inside their clan grounds, why would they let outsiders in? I passed by yesterday and tried to sneak a look, and two young Uchiha glared at me so hard my back went cold."
"That's such a pity… the injury on my waist could really use a soak…"
"How about… will you marry into the Uchiha clan?"
"Me? I'm a man, how would that work?"
"What's wrong with being a man? There are women in the Uchiha clan, too! You might not look great, but who knows, maybe someone's blind?"
"Get lost!"
The two of them laughed and walked away, but the bystanders who overheard them fell into thought.
Inside the dango shop, the shop owner chatted with a regular customer while rolling dango:
"I've heard the Uchiha side has really great benefits…"
The regular was a woman in her forties, lowering her voice:
"Exactly! My daughter came back a few days ago and told me one of her friends, a real beauty, has been surrounded by several young Uchiha men lately…"
"Oh? They've taken a liking to her?"
"Of course! Her family didn't object either. They said if she can marry into the Uchiha clan, life will be much easier in the future…"
"Well… that makes sense. The Uchiha clan has a strong foundation."
The two exchanged a glance, and both sighed.
...
Inside the Uchiha clan grounds.
Gento sat in his room. On the system panel before him, a real-time feed of the Desire Hot Springs was playing.
This had become his habit over the past few days.
Watching the alluring scenes in the women's bath, Gento's previously slouched posture immediately straightened.
On the women's side, mist drifted through the air.
Several young female clan members soaked in the pool; some leaned against the edge with their eyes closed, some chatting softly, and some playfully splashing water at each other.
As the water rippled, the occasional glimpses that were unintentionally revealed made Gento swallow hard…
He had even once seen Mikoto in the feed.
That was in the evening, when there were fewer people.
Mikoto had come alone. When she let her hair down, she looked quite different from the dignified wife of the head of the Police Force she usually appeared to be.
Within the mist, her figure was hazy and indistinct, carrying an indescribable beauty.
Gento had been stunned at the time.
Usually, it couldn't be seen under her clothes, but he hadn't expected Mikoto's figure to be so well-developed!
Fugaku really had it good.
Every time he watched Mikoto's real-time image, his blood would boil.
And the one who suffered for it… was Pakura.
These past few days, the way Pakura looked at him had become a bit different… carrying a trace of resentment, while also a hint of resignation.
...
On this day, just as Gento opened the system panel, preparing to continue watching the real-time feed, Pakura's voice suddenly came from the doorway:
"Gento-sama, someone named Mikoto Uchiha is here to visit."
Gento was immediately stunned.
Mikoto?
She came to see him on her own initiative?
Could it be she had taken a liking to him and wanted to cuckold Fugaku?
The thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly suppressed it.
"Bring her to the reception room."
He straightened his clothes, composed himself, and walked toward the reception room.
Inside, Pakura was pouring tea for the guests.
The moment Gento entered, his eyes lit up.
Mikoto sat on the tatami, dressed in an elegant kimono, her hair tied up behind her head, revealing the fair skin of her nape.
The collar of her kimono was slightly open, exposing a glimpse of her snow-white skin.
Her posture was dignified, her back straight, yet because of her sitting position, the curve of her chest appeared especially prominent.
Next to Mikoto, there was another person.
Long red hair cascaded over her shoulders, the color like flames.
She wore a dark purple top and black pants, the waist tightly fitted, outlining her figure with striking curves.
Her features were far more lively and bold than Mikoto's, carrying a natural vivacity.
It was Kushina Uzumaki.
At the same time, the system notification sounded in his mind:
[Ding! Suitable Dual Cultivation Kunoichi detected.]
[Name: Kushina Uzumaki]
[Bloodline Limit: Uzumaki Constitution]
[Strength: Kage-level]
[Overall Evaluation: S-rank]
Hmm?
He wasn't surprised that Kushina Uzumaki met the conditions for dual cultivation.
What surprised him was that Kushina actually had Kage-level strength.
Though thinking of her Uzumaki constitution and the Nine-Tails within her, Gento felt relieved.
He withdrew his gaze and sat down across from the two.
Mikoto bowed slightly, an apologetic smile on her face:
"Sorry to disturb you, Clan Head."
Gento waved his hand:
"No need to be so polite, Mikoto. If you have something to say, just say it."
Mikoto turned her head to glance at Kushina, who immediately put on a pitiful expression, clasping her hands together:
"Gento! That hot spring in your clan… It's already gone crazy in the village! They say it can heal injuries, and it feels amazing after soaking in it."
She paused, her face reddening slightly, but she still forced herself to continue:
"Can I also go soak in it?"
Gento was taken aback.
Hmmm?
Kushina actually took the initiative to request access to the hot spring?
How was that any different from voluntarily letting him see everything?
Images of two beauties bathing together unconsciously surfaced in his mind, stirring his heart.
Yet his face still maintained the composure of a clan head:
"Well… Kushina, you also know that this is an internal benefit of the Uchiha clan. According to the rules, outsiders are not allowed to use it."
The anticipation on Mikoto and Kushina's faces instantly collapsed.
The two exchanged a glance, both showing disappointment.
Mikoto opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know how to begin.
Kushina lowered her head, twisting the corner of her clothes with her fingers.
Gento changed his tone:
"However…"
Both of them looked up at the same time, their eyes lighting up again.
"Kushina, as the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, you have contributed a lot to Leaf. I'll make an exception; you can use the Uchiha clan's hot springs."
Kushina froze for a second.
Then she suddenly jumped up and hugged Mikoto tightly:
"Ahhh! Mikoto, did you hear that?! He said yes! Yes!"
Mikoto was shaken back and forth, but a sincere smile appeared on her face.
"And!"
Gento added.
"You can come and use it anytime in the future!"
Kushina released Mikoto and turned to thank Gento:
"Thank you, Gento!
"Then let's go!"
She grabbed Mikoto and ran out. Mikoto staggered from being pulled, turning back to give Gento an apologetic nod before being dragged away.
Gento sat where he was, watching their departing figures, the corners of his mouth slowly curling upward.
He stood up and walked toward his room.
System panel, real-time feed, activate!
...
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